Hu Yuanzhong, who was born in 1970, came from Guizhou. Although he retired from military service for many years, he still retained the dignity of the military. As the head of the Chengdu Shuangliu Ankang Home, he said the management of 672 post-earthquake orphaned children over the past nine years is also a kind of growth of his own.

The children in Ankang Home are all children orphaned by the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake. Ankang Home was jointly established by the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund (CCTF) and Rizhao Iron and Steel Group after the earthquake. 712 children went to Beijing and Rizhao's Ankang Home for one year, during which some of them found their parents, and in August 2009, a total of 672 children returned to the Ankang Home in Shuangliu County of Chengdu.

Hu Yuanzhong practices punching with some children at Ankang Home.

Xiaohua, who entered the Ankang Home when she was 8 years old, usually called Hu Yuanzhong “Lao Han’er” (meaning Dad in Sichuan dialect). He likes to learn boxing and martial arts from the Hu, and has also won medals in martial arts competitions.

"These children are traumatized and will be more sensitive. They need time to heal,” Hu Yuanzhong said. “But we can't just feel sympathy for them, we should strive to make them live like other children, face the reality, and find confidence." Hu added.

In addition to Hu Yuanzhong, who is known for his strict discipline, Ankang Home has many “Ankang Mom” who are extremely affectionate to take care of these children.

Hu Yuanzhong and some children are rehearsing a song revised by them called "An Kang".

Hu Yuanzhong plays the guitar and the erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument), showing his tenderness and affection hidden from his strictness.

After living with the children for 9 years, Hu said his character had also become soft. He is like a “old boy” growing up with a bunch of “little boys”.

So far, 624 children from Ankang Home have graduated from senior high schools. Among them, 282 have been admitted to university, and 342 have taken jobs or joined the army.

"These children are hardworking and diligent in all walks of life. They are all my pride." Hu Yuanzhong said. "I hope they will be safe and happy."

Hu Yuanzhong is in the office. A stray dog often came and lay beside him.

For the future of the Ankang Home, Hu said there are currently 48 children living here, with the youngest children studying in the 2nd grade of junior high school. They will graduate from senior high school in four years. At that time, Ankang Home will complete its historical mission. "I will work with all my heart to finish the 14-year task."